The Godfather

Ok so I'm running around in circles about getting an SUV. I just got out of a Lexus LX470 and while it was nice, it was underpowered and loved sucking gas.

My budget is $25k. I was thinking about picking up a Toyota 4runner, but for the same price, I can get an 03+ ML. Now I thought about going w/ a V6 320 to save gas, but I'm afraid it's gonna be slow and sluggish. How's the 350? What about 430 and 500? Do they drink gas like crazy or are they decent?

What year is the best? Which ones to avoid? Sport package looks good, do you get HID w/ it?

Tranny tends to break? What to watch out for?

Thanks

ML500 5.0L V-8

Hey, glad to see you are considering the ML!

I love the SUV, its a great car for the buy and you will get your use out of it.

Types:


ML320: Would probably be about as powerfull as your LX was, but you will get good gas mileage. As far as I remember it was a good car, did everything you would want it to do and do it well. I liked it since it was our first ML and the interior was very luxo. Ours was a 2000.

ML350: Has some more power, it gets just a little less than the 320, but it's worth the extra money powerwise. MY 03 ML350 has a good amount of power because it has a lot of torque and it was a nice drive. I drove that around for awhile until my parents bought me the ML500.

ML500: Will have too much - plenty of power, the MPG's aren't great, probably better than your LX was. It gets 14 in the city and 17 on the highway. Normally my 500 gets about 20 - 25 MPG's on the highway and about 11-16 in the city. I think the ML500 is worth it, I've had 2 and have been very happy with both.

They are all fine machines, just personally I would pick the ML500 due to the fact I was pleased the most with it. Plus it does come with Nav standard.

Packages:

00-05 Sport: Gives the ML a nice look with the round fog lights $20,000.

03-04 Inspiration Edition: I would choose this because of their rareity and silver stitched leather, painted chrome grill, Dark Poplar Wood, sport seats, and chomed out interior. Looking like $20,000 - 28,000.

05 Special Edition: Gives it the last of the ML's feel, like a champion of all ML's. The sidesteps, wood trim, sport seats, and smoked tail lights are a good addons. This will probably be in the $30,000 range.

Other Choices:

Also if you want an SUV and don't really feel keen on an ML, look into the Jeep Grand Cherokee, my friend has one and they are really nice rides.

I hope this helps, by the way sweet E55 AMG.

((Steel))

I would also recomend the ML over most other SUV's. Its a great ride, great interior, and hey, its a benz! But all partiallity aside, if you're looking to spend around 25K, an 03+ ML is a good buy. Also look into a used X5, the FX, or a used Land Rover. All great trucks for the money.

((Steel))

OH yeah....nice E class

jwalther

You've got PM.

Jeff

ViKTORiOUS

no one is going to race you in an ML, save your money and go with the V6, even though its a little sluggish, you'll be happy in the end when gas prices go up.

pointman

get a 500. best choice. nothing worse then when you need a little power, and the v6 just screams and doesn't move. plus, you will get most things standard in a 500.

Militant-Grunt

Or a 55. But then you're looking at very careful driving for good mileage =)

PHML

As my names states...i got a 2002 ML320...love it.

The ML is a very safe truck...but if more safety features is a concern...I count a total of ten airbags on mines. I think 2002+ year model has rear door air bags and side head airbags ...plus it has side mirror blinkers and fogs intergrated into the bumpers, etc...

Goodluck.

Pete

55fanatic

mike Just buy a $500 pos accord... and that way by the time you make your decision you wont have put a billion miles on the 55, it took you like 8months to pick out a wheel then another month to pick the color... your worse then a chick dude...

I still say 4runner man... maintenance in the ML/ X5, is going to be killer compared to a 4 runner... you could always go with the FX, not sure if you looked at them, the 45 is fast then the ML55 so you could have some fun with it, and as demonstrated in the deserts of las vegas it def goes off roading, you might need to tape the hood down though. HA

Anyways, like I told you before hit me up and Ill give you the FULL rundown on costs of an ML... not just the vehicle itself

Benz_nut

Or get the ML430....faster than the 320 & 350, slightly slower than 500...270hp, V8 engine...

blazinginder

IMO owning a 1998(first year) ML320 myself, I don't suggest getting a pre 2002 model of any ML and certainly not a 1998 model. This is due to the fact that for one the 1998 had many problems with rattling and other issues that still have yet to be fully tweaked. The other part suggesting a 2002+ model is due to the updated look which adds a nicer touch to the car and deff is an improvement over the years prior to it...Personally I'd just go with a ML500 only because the engine is veryyy reliable and powerful for all your needs. The 320 I feel is a little on the weaker end if you need a little quickness etc and the 350 is a newer engine, so i just dont have complete confidence esp when you can just get a 500 for a little more

gsfent

Recently picked up an '02 ML500. O2 and later had many running improvements, including bigger gas tank (18>22) and stiffer rear diff (3.46>3.70)for better pickup at a slight cost of fuel economy. Rated 14/17, I get around 16-17 in mixed driving and 19ish crusing at 80. I went for the 500 because I want to tow, and this will easily tow its rated 5000 pounds. I also got the third seat for versatility, pretty rare option.
Seems well made, I find it a little odd how you can feel the car downshift as you come to a light, not sure if it can be tuned out or not. Not as fast as my M car, but this thing has plenty of power for everyday driving and is comfortable on long and short trips.
Regards,
Jerry

The Godfather

I might have found it... https://mbworld.org/forums/m-class-w163/143625-so-i-think-i-found-my-next-ml.html